Youth, Art, and Identity: IGNITE! 2026
Spring in East Vancouver brings a specific kind of electricity to The Cultch as the IGNITE! Youth Arts Festival takes over the stages. Running from May 12 to 17, this year’s lineup is a massive celebration of the next generation of creatives, offering everything from puppet shows and jazz to contemporary dance and short films.
Among the week-long festivities, several standout events are putting queer stories and spaces front and center. If you are looking for art that explores identity, community, and radical joy, here are the dates you need on your calendar.
Telling It Bent: Queer and Trans Youth Stories
Wednesday, May 13 | Historic Theatre One of the most anticipated nights of the festival is the Telling It Bent showcase. In a special collaboration with the frank theatre company, this event features new, original works by queer, trans, and Two Spirit youth from across BC. It’s a raw and beautiful look at the world through the eyes of young people who are rewriting the script on what it means to be themselves today.
The Grand Finale: Cumbia and Drag
Sunday, May 17 | Historic Theatre & Lobby The festival closes out with BLOOM, an evening designed to get everyone moving. The night features Salseo Queer Dance, a Latinx collective that uses Afro-Latin dance to create inclusive, connected spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
As the energy builds, the stage will transition into a vibrant drag showcase featuring performances by Malandro and Cataleya. It’s the perfect high-note to end a week of creative exploration—celebrating queer artistry through movement, glamour, and community.
Beyond the Main Stage
While these highlights are a major draw, the beauty of IGNITE! is the variety. Throughout the week, you can catch:
Stand-Up Comedy: Sharp wit from the festival’s funniest young voices.
The Variety Showcase: A mix of jazz, puppetry, and contemporary dance.
Visual Arts & Film: Curated galleries and screenings happening throughout the venues.
Whether you are there for the storytelling, the dance, or the drag, IGNITE! 2026 is a reminder of how vital youth-led spaces are for the culture of our city.
Tickets and Info: Full festival passes and individual event tickets are available now through The Cultch’s box office. Support local youth and grab your seats early!